A Basic Buyer’s Guide to Window Styles

If your windows have seen their fair share of wear and tear, you may be contemplating a few window replacements. It could be that your neighbor’s little boy accidentally hit a baseball into your living room, or perhaps you’re just looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency and ridding yourself of older,
outdated windows.

Regardless of the reason for window replacement, you may be ready to check out some different, more aesthetically pleasing window styles. We’ve created a basic buyer’s guide to help teach you about the pros and cons of each window style on the market.

Casement Windows

Single panes on casement windows open outward like a flap. The hinges can either be placed on the side of the window or above the window pane.

Pros:A casement window’s open sash catches air, ventilating the interior of your home. In addition to the exceptional air flow this window style provides, its hook-shaped locks are deeply embedded within the window frame so it’s nearly impossible to break into the house through the windows.

Cons:On a casement window, the screen sits on the inside of the window frame while the sash swings open. The separation between the glass and the screen leaves the latter vulnerable to pressure, even when the window is closed. For example, when your dog perks up to look out the window, he or she could place his or her paws on the screen and stretch or damage it.

Bow and Bay Windows

Bow and bay windows each have a different number of windows, which means the windows connect at different angles. A bay window generally features three windows: two smaller windows that frame one larger, fixed window. A bow window can feature four or five smaller windows, usually of equal size, that form a protruding semi-circle.

Pros:Both of these styles offer the appearance of more interior space.For example, a living room with a bow or bay window will seem more spacious. These windows also emit a lot of natural light, increasing the room’s solar passive heating and brightening up your home.

Cons:Bay and bow windows, because they include multiple panes, tend to be costly additions to your home. This old-fashioned window style can be up to two-and-a-half times the cost of a single, flat window. Also, bay and bow windows tend to feature at least one large fixed window. In many cases, all of the windows are fixed, limiting ventilation.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are the classic-looking, square-shaped window with six panes. With this style, you are able to open both the top and bottom sash.

Pros:Since you can open the both top and bottom sash, these windows allow airflow within your home. The dual-sash system also lets you easily clean these windows. Lastly, the shape and maneuverability of double-hung windows makes it simple to install a casement air conditioner.

Cons:The major difficulty homeowners experience with double-hung windows is the cost. While double-hung is a common style, it represents a significant upfront investment.

Single-Hung Windows

Shaped much like a double-hung window, this style features a fixed upper sash and a slidable bottom sash. Six panes sit within each sash.

Pros: Single-hung windows are the most cost-effective windows on the market. They can cost between 10% and 20% less than double-hung windows. For homeowners on a budget, this window style is a great, economical way to replace older windows.

Cons: Because this style only features a movable bottom sash, single-hung windows provide limited ventilation. The lack of airflow can increase moisture, leaving certain rooms in your home susceptible to mold growth.

No matter which styles you pick for your home, choose energy-efficient, high-quality windows options that maximize light emittance and minimize air leakage. Your local window company can replace your current windows with eco-friendly alternatives–without sacrificing the styles you want in your home.